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Photo by Chrissy Lambert
This morning's episode of Say 'Yes' to the Dress inspired me to pen a few words about the wedding gown market in Hawaii versus in major metropolitan areas on the "mainland" (continental U.S.). Many brides on the show set their budgets around $3,000 - $4,500 and donned gowns in the $3,500 - $6,800 range. These gowns, styled in luxurious fabrics and studded with stunning embellishments dropped jaws, moved brides to tears, and at times, caused sticker shock, but saying "yes" to almost double the original budget on the gown? Say what???
In many ways, the pretty penny charged for sumptuous gowns created by top designers is justifiable, considering the talent, workmanship, and materials that go into such a gown, and especially for such a momentous occasion. Fortunately or unfortunately, the higher end designer gowns barely exist here in Hawaii. This is in part attributed to the fact that many brides locally continue to include the cost of the bridesmaids' dresses in their attire budget, footing the bill not only for the bridesmaids' dresses, but also for their own gown. Many brides here set a ballpark figure of $1,500 for their gown, and local salons offer a wide selection of beautiful gowns at the lower price range of several hundred to under three thousand dollars.
For those desiring gowns from top designers, local gown salons can order some of them, or brides can purchase their gown on the mainland. Contrarily, for destination brides getting married in Hawaii, they can either bring their designer gown with them on the plane, or they can shop for very reasonably priced gowns while on a planning trip here (ideally half a year prior to the wedding date or a little more). The good thing is, pretty gowns can be found at every price point so brides can say "yes" to a gown at a price they prefer.
In many ways, the pretty penny charged for sumptuous gowns created by top designers is justifiable, considering the talent, workmanship, and materials that go into such a gown, and especially for such a momentous occasion. Fortunately or unfortunately, the higher end designer gowns barely exist here in Hawaii. This is in part attributed to the fact that many brides locally continue to include the cost of the bridesmaids' dresses in their attire budget, footing the bill not only for the bridesmaids' dresses, but also for their own gown. Many brides here set a ballpark figure of $1,500 for their gown, and local salons offer a wide selection of beautiful gowns at the lower price range of several hundred to under three thousand dollars.
For those desiring gowns from top designers, local gown salons can order some of them, or brides can purchase their gown on the mainland. Contrarily, for destination brides getting married in Hawaii, they can either bring their designer gown with them on the plane, or they can shop for very reasonably priced gowns while on a planning trip here (ideally half a year prior to the wedding date or a little more). The good thing is, pretty gowns can be found at every price point so brides can say "yes" to a gown at a price they prefer.
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